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Michigan couple didn't let COVID-19 stop their wedding: How they did it

COLOMA — Shawna Phillips set up a card table in the backyard behind a shed, trying to find some protection from the cold, gusting wind. She put down a cloth for decoration and set up the wedding cake.

She quickly took off her coat and flung it at a fence, revealing a wedding dress.

“All right, let’s get hitched!” Shawna said.

Andrew Czuk, 31, and Shawna Phillips, 33, of Eau Claire got married in the backyard of Michelle McCoy of Coloma after restrictions put in place by the government over concerns of the coronavirus pandemic derailed the couple's wedding plans. Chuck, the 2-year-old lab, was the best dog.(Photo: Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press)

She looked determined. There was nothing that was going to stop this wedding: Not the fact that it already had been canceled three times because of the coronavirus pandemic, not the stay-at-home order, not even the 10-person limit of any gathering in Michigan.

It was 48 degrees with a gray sky when this wedding began Sunday afternoon in southwest Michigan. They allowed only four people to attend: two witnesses, an ordained minister and a Free Press reporter. Chuck, their 2-year-old chocolate Lab, was designated the best man.

“Six feet apart!” Shawna said, referring to the social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The two witnesses were already about 15 feet back, and the groom started to move away.

“Love is the ultimate commitment which challenges us to become all that we are meant to be," McCoy said.

It was beautiful and strange and surreal, at this time when nothing seems normal anymore.

“Your marriage will have joy and it will have challenges,” McCoy said.

Andrew Czuk, 31, and Shawna Phillips, 33, of Eau Claire are married by Michelle McCoy of Coloma as witnesses (right) Taylor Brink, 20, of St. Joseph and (left) Bryant Miller, 28, of Buchanan look on. Chuck, the 2-year-old lab, was the best dog. After restrictions put in place by the government over concerns of the coronavirus pandemic derailed the couple's wedding plans, they opted for a small ceremony in McCoy's backyard.(Photo: Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press)

Challenges?

They have had to overcome countless problems, just to get to this point. They were determined to get married Sunday because it’s the anniversary of their first date and the birthday of Shawna’s late grandmother, a woman who was her best friend and meant the world to her.

Originally, 114 people confirmed they would attend the wedding and reception at a beach house on the shores of Lake Michigan. Those plans disappeared when the CDC advised against gatherings of 50 people or more.

So they went to Plan B: They would hold the wedding at their house with a small group of friends and family. Then President Donald Trump issued guidelines that called for Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people. Picking 10 people was impossible.

So they went to Plan C: They planned to drive to St. Clair Shores and get married by Josie Ries, Shawna’s sister’s mother-in-law. But after the number of cases spiked in metro Detroit, they were afraid to drive into one of the country’s hot spots. And besides, there are travel restrictions.

“Dear God, we ask for your blessing upon Shawna and Andrew as they celebrate their special day,” McCoy said.

Andrew and Shawna met online and went on their first date on March 29, 2019. They went to a local bar and talked for hours, forming an instant connection. They’ve been together ever since.

“Let us remember all of the family and friends not with us today,” McCoy said. “Keep them healthy and safe during this time of uncertainty.”

During the ceremony, Andrew held Chuck’s leash. Chuck cried and whimpered and suddenly slipped out of his collar. But Shawna deftly grabbed him and put it back on without missing a beat.

“This is a new beginning for both of you, and when you disagree, do it respectfully,” McCoy said.

They said their vows.

“Shawna and Andrew have given themselves by solemn vows, the joining of the hands and the giving and receiving of the rings,” McCoy said. “Therefore, with the blessing of God, I pronounce you husband and wife. Andrew, you may now kiss your bride.”

Andrew Czuk, 31, and Shawna Phillips, 33, of Eau Claire share their first kiss as man and wife after being married by Michelle McCoy of Coloma. Chuck, the 2-year-old lab, was the best dog.(Photo: Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press)

They kissed as Andrew held Chuck’s leash.

“It is now my pleasure to present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Shawna Czuk,” McCoy said.

“Yeah!” everybody screamed — and by everybody, I mean, the two witnesses and me.

Shawna burst out laughing, and Andrew looked down at Chuck.

“You cried that whole time!” Andrew said sternly.

Chuck wagged his tail.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so cold,” Shawna said.

There was no walking down the aisle. No first dance. But that hardly mattered. They got married, had their first kiss and cut a cake.